Visualization and validation of twin nucleation and early-stage growth in magnesium

The abrupt occurrence of twinning when Mg is deformed leads to a highly anisotropic response, making it too unreliable for structural use and too unpredictable for observation. Here, we describe an in-situ transmission electron microscopy experiment on Mg crystals with strategically designed geometries for visualization of a long-proposed but unverified twinning mechanism. Combining with atomistic simulations and topological analysis, we conclude that twin nucleation occurs through a pure-shuffle mechanism that requires prismatic-basal transformations. Also, we verified a crystal geometry dependent twin growth mechanism, that is the early-stage growth associated with instability of plasticity flow, which can be dominated either by slower movement of prismatic-basal boundary steps, or by faster glide-shuffle along the twinning plane. The fundamental understanding of twinning provides a pathway to understand deformation from a scientific standpoint and the microstructure design principles to engineer metals with enhanced behavior from a technological standpoint.

Visualization and Validation of Twin Nucleation and Early-stage Growth in Magnesium

The abrupt occurrence of twinning when Mg is deformed leads to a highly anisotropic response, making it too unreliable for structural use and too unpredictable for observation. Here, we describe an in-situ transmission electron microscopy experiment on Mg crystals with strategically designed geometries for visualization of a long-proposed but unverified twinning mechanism. Combining with atomistic simulations and topological analysis, we conclude that twin nucleation occurs through a pure-shuffle mechanism that requires prismatic-basal transformations. Also, we verified a crystal geometry dependent twin growth mechanism, that is the early-stage growth associated with instability of plasticity flow, which can be dominated either by slower movement of prismatic-basal boundary steps, or by faster glide-shuffle along the twinning plane. The fundamental understanding of twinning provides a pathway to understand deformation from a scientific standpoint and the microstructure design principles to engineer metals with unprecedented combinations of properties from a technological standpoint.

Predictive Accuracy of Singleton Versus Customized Twin Growth Chart for Adverse Perinatal Outcome: A Cohort Study

Background: Fetal growth of twins differs from singletons. The objective was to assess the fetal growth in twin gestations in relation to singleton charts and customized twin charts, respectively, followed by a comparison of the frequency of neonatal complications in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) twins. Methods: We performed an analysis of twin pregnancies with established chorionicity with particular emphasis on postnatal adverse outcomes in newborns classified as SGA. Neonatal birth weight was comparatively assessed using both singleton and twin growth charts with following percentile estimation. Using a statistical model, we established the prediction strength of neonatal complications in SGA twins for both methods. Results: The dataset included 322 twin pairs (247 cases of dichorionic and 75 cases of monochorionic diamniotic gestations). Utilization of twin-specific normograms was less likely to label twins as SGA—nevertheless, this diagnosis strongly correlated with risk of observing adverse outcomes. Using a chart dedicated for twin pregnancies predicted newborn complications in the SGA group with higher sensitivity and had better positive predictive value regarding postnatal morbidity. Conclusions: Estimating twin growth with customized charts provides better prognosis of undesirable neonatal events in the SGA group comparing to singleton nomograms and consequently might determine neonatal intensive care prenatal approach.

Birthweight Percentiles for Twins Based on Sex and Chorionicity in the South of China

Birthweight percentile chart for different gestational age was served as an essential tool in the appropriate evaluation of neonates. Such percentile chart for twins based on different chrionicity were less reported. The aim of this study was to construct up-to-data sex specific twin neonates birth weight references by gestational ages based on different chorionicity in South of China. We retrospectively analysis 3431 twins birthweight born between 25 weeks and 40 weeks gestational age based on sex and chrionicity between 2015 to 2020 in local hospital. The smoothed birthweight percentile curves were conducted through the method, Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) .The mean birth weight of monochorionic twins were significantly lower than that of dichorionic twins , and the gestational week of delivery were earlier. The calculated 50th percentile birthweight values of twin boys were higher than those for girls based on the same chorionicity, except male monochorionic twins who were born before 31 weeks gestational age. Neonates birthweight percentile chart based on sex and chrionicity provide a tool for assessing the well being of twin infants. Use twin growth charts based on chrionicity is likely to prevent the over-diagnosis of SGA in normal growth twins.

Interaction of Migrating Twin Boundaries with Obstacles in Magnesium

Interaction of migrating {101¯2} twin boundary with obstacles was analyzed by atomistic and finite elements computer simulations of magnesium. Two types of obstacles were considered: one is a non-shearable obstacle and another one is the void inside bulk material. It is shown that both types of obstacles inhibit twin growth and increased stress is necessary to engulf the obstacle in both cases. However, the increase of critical resolved shear stress is higher for the passage of the twin boundary through raw of voids than for interaction with non-shearable obstacles.